Cardio core pusher

ABSTRACT

An aerobic exerciser, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine or strider/hiker, is combined with a secondary exercise mechanism. The secondary exercise mechanism includes a movable user-contacting portion that is configured to move forward from a rest position and to provide adjustable resistance to pressure in a forward direction exerted by at least a portion of a user&#39;s body while the user is performing the aerobic exercise. The user-contacting portion is biased to return to the rest position when the forward pressure is released. The user-contacting portion may comprise a handgrip or may be configured to contact the user&#39;s waist. The exercise apparatus may include a sensor that is responsive to movement of the secondary exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position. The user may be provided with visual or aural encouragement to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion so that the secondary exercise mechanism is maintained beyond the predetermined position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to an aerobic exerciser with a secondary exercise mechanism against which a user exerts pressure while performing an aerobic exercise.

2. Background

Aerobic exercisers are widely popular for use in both the home and in fitness centers. Popular aerobic exercisers include treadmills, elliptical exercisers and machines that require striding or simulate hiking. Aerobic exercisers typically permit the user to adjust the speed and/or resistance of the exercise. While the aerobic exercisers known in the prior art provide highly effective cardiovascular conditioning, they generally provide exercise for only a limited set of muscle groups located mostly in the user's legs. To overcome this deficiency, a number of aerobic exercisers include movable arms for exercising the upper body. However, even when both upper and lower body muscle groups are involved, prior art aerobic exercisers remain limited with respect to providing a whole body workout that also involves the core muscles of the abdomen, back and pelvis. Furthermore, prior art exercisers do not increase the cardiovascular workout by encouraging users to maintain a pace against a force resisting forward movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention combines an aerobic exerciser, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine or strider/hiker, with a secondary exercise mechanism. This mechanism includes a movable user-contacting portion that is configured to move forward from a rest position and to provide adjustable resistance to pressure in a forward direction exerted by at least a portion of a user's body while the user is performing the aerobic exercise. The user-contacting portion is biased to return to the rest position when the forward pressure is released. The user-contacting portion may comprise a handgrip or may be configured to contact the user's waist. The exercise apparatus may include a sensor that is responsive to movement of the secondary exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position. The user may be provided with visual or aural encouragement to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion so that the secondary exercise mechanism is maintained beyond the predetermined position.

The secondary exercise mechanism of the present invention encourages the user to push forward under tension, which exercises the core muscles and increases the cardiovascular workout. The resistance against forward movement of the user's body is similar to the gravitational resistance against walking or running uphill. Thus, the secondary exercise mechanism can provide the same cardiovascular workout as an inclined treadmill while also involving the upper body and core muscle groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a detailed view of the control console and user interfaces of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus with the secondary exercise mechanism in a rest position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus with the secondary exercise mechanism as it would be pushed forward by the user.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a secondary exercise mechanism suspended under the control console.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention with the secondary exercise mechanism supported above the control console.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention having a sliding secondary exercise mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention having a user-contacting portion of the secondary exercise mechanism configured to contact the user's waist.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention adapted to an elliptical exerciser.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention adapted to a strider/hiker exerciser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 10 is similar in many respects to conventional treadmill exercisers. A base 12 supports a moving belt 14, which is driven by motor 16. A control console 20 is supported by a pair of uprights 22. Uprights 22 are pivotally coupled to base 12 at respective pivots 24. This pivotal connection facilitates the secondary exercise of the present invention. A pair of rearwardly extending arm members 26 are attached to console 20. These arm members provide support for the user while exercising on the moving treadmill.

FIG. 2 provides a more detailed view of console 20 and its appendages. As shown, handgrips 28 are attached to the front of console 20. These handgrips are provided for use in performing the secondary exercise. The handgrips may be rotatable between vertical and horizontal orientations for the comfort of the user. Alternatively, the handgrips may be configured with both vertical and horizontal grip portions. Armrests 30 are attached to arm members 26. These are configured to support the user's forearms when performing the secondary exercise in a manner similar to long distance bicycle handlebars. This provides a more stable posture for the user to lean into while performing the secondary exercise. If the user wishes to exercise without using the armrests, they may be pivoted to the side or simply removed from arm members 26. In a variation of the illustrated embodiment, handgrips may be placed on the armrests in lieu of or in addition to the console-mounted handgrips 28.

FIGS. 3 and 4 provide more detailed views of how console 20 is supported above base 12. As previously mentioned, uprights 22 are pivotally mounted to base 12 at pivots 24. The uprights are also pivotally connected to console 20 at pivots 32. Connecting member 34 is pivotally coupled to the base at pivot 36 and is pivotally coupled to the console at pivot 38. This arrangement of upright 22 and connecting member 34, together with their respective pivots on base 12 and console 20, acts as a four-bar linkage to maintain console 20 in a contact orientation throughout the range of motion of the upright members. Uprights 22 are biased to a substantially vertical position by springs 40, which therefore provide resistance to forward pressure on handgrips 28. Other resistance devices, such as weights, gas shocks, elastic bands, etc. may be used in place of springs 40. A manually or electronically operated lock 42 may be provided to secure uprights 22 in their full upright or rest position while using apparatus 10 as a conventional treadmill.

To operate apparatus 10, the user stands on belt 14 as would be the case with a conventional treadmill. Using console 20, the user selects a desired speed and, optionally, a desired inclination of the treadmill. Alternatively, the user may select a programmed exercise routine wherein the speed and/or inclination are automatically varied.

While walking or running on the treadmill belt 14, the user grasps handgrips 28 and presses forward. If desired, the user may rest his or her forearms on armrests 30. The forward pressure on handgrips 28, when sufficient to overcome the resistance of springs 40, causes uprights 22 to tilt forwardly on pivots 24 away from the rest position shown in FIG. 3 and toward the position shown in FIG. 4. The user maintains an “off the stop” position by pushing against the moving belt 14 with the legs and feet while maintaining the selected speed of the treadmill. This creates a whole-body, closed chain workout by putting resistive tension throughout the body. This also increases the aerobic effect of the machine by taxing the legs and body more to keep the “off the stop” position against resistance. The faster the belt moves, the harder it is to keep uprights 22 away from their rest position.

A sensor 50 attached to frame member 15 is responsive to movement of upright 22 and determines when the upright has tilted beyond a predetermined position. The user may be provided with encouragement to walk faster and/or to push harder so as to maintain sufficient forward pressure on handgrips 28 such that upright 22 remains at or beyond the predetermined position and away from the rest position. Such encouragement may be visual, delivered on display screen 52, or aural, delivered through speaker 54.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a safety feature, particularly useful for elderly or infirm users, may be added to the handgrips 28 wherein the user must squeeze a trigger on one or both of the handgrips or push a button 29 on the top of one or both of the handgrips with the thumb to keep the treadmill going as the user pushes the handgrips forward for the total body workout or just for use as a standard treadmill. If the user feels unstable or is unable to keep up, the user may just let go of the trigger or thumb button and electronics in console 30 for controlling motor 16 will automatically reduce the speed of the motor and cause the treadmill to slow and/or stop. Button 29 may be operatively coupled to the lock 42 to automatically release the lock and enable the secondary exercise when the button is pressed. When the button is released, the lock will automatically re-engage when the uprights return to their rest position. With triggers or buttons on both handgrips, one may be used to keep the treadmill going and the other may be used to release the lock.

Another safety feature that could be added is a switch to detect that the uprights 22 are on a stop in their rest position so that, if the user is in the push mode. i.e., performing the secondary exercise, and the uprights come to rest on the stop for three seconds, the treadmill slows and/or stops. Thus, if the user falls and cannot push the console and uprights away from the rest stop within three seconds, the treadmill stops. If the user inadvertently allows the uprights to contact the stop while exercising, the user is able to continue the workout by pushing the console and uprights back off the stop within three seconds. This feature may be turned on or off so that a regular user can move between using the apparatus as a standard treadmill and using the push feature without the safety feature turning off the treadmill when the buttons are released. It could also allow for the release of the button on one of the handles while holding the other down to default for 10-15 seconds so the user can switch to standard treadmill mode. Preprogrammed routines may automatically switch between pusher mode and treadmill mode and may automatically disable the safety feature in the treadmill mode.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. Exercise apparatus 100 is similar to previously described apparatus 10 in that it incorporates elements of a conventional treadmill. However, apparatus 100 differs in the arrangement of the secondary exercise mechanism. In this embodiment, the secondary exercise mechanism, shown generally as 110, is suspended below the control console 120 from bracket 121. Handgrips 128 are attached to exercise member 129, which is connected to bracket 121 by linkage members 122 and 134. The combination of linkage members 122 and 134 along with pivots 124, 132, 136 and 138 comprise a four-bar linkage so that exercise member 129 moves substantially forward and backward in relation to console 120. Spring 140 is connected between the console and linkage member 122 to provide resistance for the secondary exercise. The amount of resistance is variable by use of knob 160, which moves collar 162, to which spring 140 is attached, along screw member 164.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. Again, exercise apparatus 200 is similar to previously described apparatus 10 in that it incorporates elements of a conventional treadmill. However, apparatus 200 differs in the arrangement of the secondary exercise mechanism. In this embodiment, the secondary exercise mechanism, shown generally as 210, is supported above the control console 220. Handgrips 228 are attached to exercise member 229, which is connected to bracket 221 by linkage members 222 and 234. Here again, the linkage members are arranged in a four-bar linkage configuration. Gas shock 241 is connected between linkage member 222 and bracket 221 to provide resistance for the secondary exercise.

It should be noted that mechanism 110 of FIG. 5 or mechanism 210 of FIG. 6 may be supplied as an accessory for an otherwise conventional treadmill. Exercise mechanism 110 or 210 may be an optional accessory installed by the dealer, or the customer may purchase the basic treadmill and then add the push feature at a later date. The treadmill may be designed with such an addition in mind so that the purchaser can easily install the push feature with a few simple fasteners to mount bracket 121 or 221 onto the structure of the treadmill.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. Apparatus 300 is again similar to those previously described. In this case, the secondary exercise mechanism 310 is mounted with a sliding arrangement rather than a four-bar linkage. Upright members 322 are fixed to the treadmill base. Exercise member 329, to which console 320 and handgrip 328 are attached, slides within tubular members 323 secured to the tops of uprights 322. Springs 340 provide resistance for the secondary exercise.

FIG. 8 illustrates a secondary exercise mechanism 410 with a user-contacting portion 427 configured to contact the user's waist. The contacting portion is attached to the ends of arm members 426 and may be flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. When performing the secondary exercise, the user pushes against the moving belt of the treadmill to apply forward pressure at the user's waist against contacting portion 427 and thereby move the upright members 422 away from their rest position. Contacting portion 427 may be used to operate the secondary exercise mechanism instead of or in addition to handgrips 428.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with a secondary exercise mechanism 510 mounted on an elliptical exerciser 502. As shown, mechanism 510 is substantially similar to mechanism 210 described above in connection with FIG. 6. It will be recognized that the secondary exercise mechanism could also be configured in the manner of any of the alternative embodiments described herein. Furthermore, as explained above, mechanism 510 may be supplied as an accessory to exerciser 502 for installation by the dealer at the time of purchase or by the purchaser at some time subsequent to the purchase of exerciser 502.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention with a secondary exercise mechanism 610 mounted on a strider/hiker exerciser 602, i.e., an exerciser with foot platforms that move forward and rearward so that the user's legs are subjected to a striding motion. Here again, mechanism 610 is substantially similar to mechanism 210 described above in connection with FIG. 6. It will be recognized that the secondary exercise mechanism could also be configured in the manner of any of the alternative embodiments described herein. Furthermore, as explained above, mechanism 610 may be supplied as an accessory to exerciser 602 for installation by the dealer at the time of purchase or by the purchaser at some time subsequent to the purchase of exerciser 602.

It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims. 

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a first exercise mechanism mounted on the frame for enabling a user to perform an aerobic exercise by moving the user's feet and legs; a control console supported on the frame forward of a user's exercise position; a second exercise mechanism having a moveable user-contacting portion configured to move forward from a rest position and to provide resistance to pressure in the forward direction exerted by at least a portion of the user's body while the user is performing the aerobic exercise; the user-contacting portion biased to return to the rest position when forward pressure is released.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first exercise mechanism comprises a treadmill.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first exercise mechanism comprises an elliptical exerciser.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first exercise mechanism comprises a strider/hiker exerciser.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first exercise mechanism may be used without operating the second exercise mechanism.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second exercise mechanism is suspended below the console.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second exercise mechanism is supported above the console.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second exercise mechanism comprises a four-bar linkage.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resistance of the second exercise mechanism is adjustable.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second exercise mechanism comprises a spring for providing resistance.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the user-contacting portion of the second exercise mechanism comprises a handgrip.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the user-contacting portion of the second exercise mechanism is configured to contact a waist of the user.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sensor responsive to movement of the second exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a user feedback device to encourage the user to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion to maintain the second exercise mechanism beyond the predetermined position.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a speed reducer to reduce a speed of the first exercise mechanism if the sensor detects that the second exercise mechanism has not been beyond the predetermined position for a predetermined period of time.
 16. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lock to prevent movement of the second exercise mechanism.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a lock release on the user-contacting portion.
 18. An accessory for an exercise apparatus having a frame, a first exercise mechanism mounted on the frame for enabling a user to perform an aerobic exercise by moving the user's feet and legs and a control console supported on the frame forward of a user's exercise position, the accessory comprising: a second exercise mechanism configured to attach to the exercise apparatus, the second exercise mechanism having a moveable user-contacting portion configured to move forward from a rest position and to provide resistance to pressure in the forward direction exerted by at least a portion of the user's body while the user is performing the aerobic exercise, the user-contacting portion biased to return to the rest position when forward pressure is released.
 19. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the second exercise mechanism is attached below the console.
 20. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the second exercise mechanism is attached above the console.
 21. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the second exercise mechanism comprises a four-bar linkage.
 22. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the resistance of the second exercise mechanism is adjustable.
 23. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the second exercise mechanism comprises a spring for providing resistance.
 24. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the user-contacting portion of the second exercise mechanism comprises a handgrip.
 25. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the user-contacting portion of the second exercise mechanism is configured to contact a waist of the user.
 26. The accessory of claim 18 further comprising a sensor responsive to movement of the second exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position.
 27. The accessory of claim 26 further comprising a user feedback device to encourage the user to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion to maintain the second exercise mechanism beyond the predetermined position.
 28. The accessory of claim 26 further comprising a speed reducer to reduce a speed of the first exercise mechanism if the sensor detects that the second exercise mechanism has not been beyond the predetermined position for a predetermined period of time.
 29. The accessory of claim 18 further comprising a lock to prevent movement of the second exercise mechanism.
 30. The accessory of claim 29 further comprising a lock release on the user-contacting portion.
 31. The accessory of claim 18 wherein the first exercise mechanism may be used without operating the second exercise mechanism.
 32. An exercise treadmill comprising: a frame; a control console supported on the frame forward of a user's exercise position at least one handgrip attached to the upright; a platform with a moving belt; a secondary exercise mechanism having a moveable user-contacting portion configured to move forward from a rest position and provide resistance to forward movement of the user's body while the user is walking or running on the treadmill; wherein said resistance of the secondary exercise mechanism biases the secondary exercise mechanism toward the rest position; and wherein the treadmill may be used for running or walking without operating the secondary exercise mechanism.
 33. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 further comprising a sensor responsive to movement of the secondary exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position.
 34. The exercise treadmill of claim 33 further comprising a user feedback device to encourage the user to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion to maintain the secondary exercise mechanism beyond the predetermined position.
 35. The exercise treadmill of claim 33 further comprising a speed reducer to reduce a speed of the moving belt if the sensor detects that the secondary exercise mechanism has not been beyond the predetermined position for a predetermined period of time.
 36. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the secondary exercise mechanism includes forearm rests.
 37. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the secondary exercise mechanism is suspended below the console.
 38. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the secondary exercise mechanism is supported above the console.
 39. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the secondary exercise mechanism comprises a four-bar linkage.
 40. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the resistance of the secondary exercise mechanism is adjustable.
 41. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the secondary exercise mechanism comprises a spring for providing resistance.
 42. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the user-contacting portion of the secondary exercise mechanism comprises a handgrip.
 43. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 wherein the user-contacting portion of the secondary exercise mechanism is configured to contact a waist of the user.
 44. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 further comprising a sensor responsive to movement of the secondary exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position and a user feedback device to encourage the user to maintain sufficient pressure on the contacting portion to maintain the secondary exercise mechanism beyond the predetermined position.
 45. The exercise treadmill of claim 32 further comprising a lock to prevent movement of the secondary exercise mechanism.
 46. The exercise treadmill of claim 45 further comprising a lock release on the user-contacting portion.
 47. A method of exercising comprising: performing an aerobic exercise using a first exercise mechanism of an exercise apparatus; gripping a handgrip and pressing at least a portion of an exerciser's body against a moveable portion of a second exercise mechanism having adjustable resistance; maintaining pressure against the moveable portion to maintain the second exercise mechanism away from a rest position while the exerciser is performing the aerobic exercise.
 48. The method of claim 47 wherein the aerobic exercise comprises walking or running on a treadmill.
 49. The method of claim 47 wherein the exerciser leans on arm rests to assist in pressing against the moveable portion.
 50. The method of claim 47 further comprising providing encouragement to the exerciser in response to sensing movement of the second exercise mechanism beyond a predetermined position.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein the encouragement is provided visually.
 52. The method of claim 50 wherein the encouragement is provided aurally.
 53. An exercise treadmill comprising: at least one pivotal upright member; an electronic control console supported by the upright member and positioned forward of a user's exercise position; at least one handgrip attached to the upright; a platform with a moving belt; a resistance mechanism attached to the pivotal upright; the pivotal upright configured to move forward from a rest position by pressure from a user; wherein said resistance mechanism returns the upright to said rest position when user pressure is released; and a lock disposed on the upright to secure the upright in the rest position so the user may use the treadmill for running or walking without moving the upright.
 54. The exercise treadmill of claim 53 including a waist contact attached to the pivotal upright.
 55. The exercise treadmill of claim 53 further comprising a sensor responsive to movement of the pivotal upright beyond a predetermined position.
 56. The exercise treadmill of claim 55 further comprising a user feedback device to encourage the user to maintain sufficient pressure against the pivotal upright to maintain the pivotal upright beyond the predetermined position.
 57. The exercise treadmill of claim 55 further comprising a speed reducer to reduce a speed of the moving belt if the sensor detects that the pivotal upright has not been beyond the predetermined position for a predetermined period of time.
 58. The exercise treadmill of claim 53 further comprising forearm rests attached to the pivotal upright.
 59. The exercise treadmill of claim 53 further comprising a lock release operable by the user while in the exercise position.
 60. The exercise treadmill of claim 53 wherein the treadmill may be used without operating the resistance mechanism. 